Amphibious Lagoon Vehicle With Adjustable Thrust for Agitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amphibious vehicles for lagoon treatment face issues with inadequate agitation, maneuverability, high maintenance costs, and mechanical reliability due to complex hydraulic systems and high-pressure nozzles that wear out quickly.
Innovation Solution
An amphibious vehicle with adjustable propellers and nozzles that provide independent thrust vectors for agitation and propulsion, controlled by a centralized unit, reducing mechanical complexity and wear by using submerged propellers and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high pressure/high velocity nozzles are used for mixing, then agitation energy is increased, but the ability to agitate deep lagoons is insufficient and steering control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle divides agitation and propulsion functions into separate systems: propellers for agitation (mounted on adjustable arms at the rear) and a nozzle for propulsion (mounted at the front). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling deep lagoon agitation without compromising steering simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single power source is used for both agitation and propulsion, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform both functions effectively is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle uses two independent power sources: one dedicated to driving propellers for agitation and another for the propulsion nozzle. This allows each function to operate at optimal power levels simultaneously, resolving the trade-off between system complexity and dual-function performance.
3Productivity
If submerged centrifugal pumps with hydraulic valves are used, then liquid recirculation is achieved, but mechanical wear and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the recirculation pump and hydraulic valve system entirely, replacing it with a direct discharge approach where the submerged nozzle pumps liquid directly into the lagoon without recirculation. This eliminates the mechanical wear pathways while maintaining effective agitation through the high-velocity jet.
4Ease of operation
If propellers are mounted on adjustable arms, then thrust vector control for steering is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers are mounted on hydraulically actuated arms that can dynamically adjust the thrust vector angle. This dynamic positioning system provides precise steering control by redirecting propeller thrust, while the hydraulic actuation keeps the mechanical structure relatively simple compared to alternative steering mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The vehicle achieves efficient agitation and maneuverability with reduced maintenance needs, minimizing wear and tear, and ensuring consistent nutrient distribution in lagoons.
Implementation Method 1
one or more propellers are mounted to the frame and connected to the power source such that each of the one or more propellers have a thrust vector configured to provide agitation and/or propulsion
Implementation Method 2
one or more pumps are connected to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An amphibious vehicle having a frame that includes a plurality of floatable members. Mounted to the frame is one or more power sources. Also mounted to the frame and connected to the power source are a plurality of propellers with each of the plurality of propellers having a thrust vector configured to be adjusted to provide agitation and propulsion. In addition, mounted to the frame are a plurality of ground engaging devices and one or more pumps.